#SaveOurCBD
A call for legal clarity to support a safe, secure and sustainable industry.
- Statutory safety assessments on hold
- Millions of consumers risk losing access to popular CBD products
- Hundreds of companies in jeopardy
#SaveOurCBD
The Issue.
For more than a decade, CBD products have been sold online and on every high street in the UK without a clear legal and regulatory framework. The Home Office is responsible for developing the legal structure, while the Food Standards Agency (FSA) oversees the regulatory aspects related to food safety.
The FSA has accepted its responsibility. In 2020 it unveiled plans to regulate CBD as a food product, prompting numerous companies to invest substantial funds into the research required by the Novel Foods process initiated by the FSA.
The Home Office has yet to act. Throughout this process, it has been aware of the growth of this market and has acknowledged the necessity of establishing a legal framework for CBD products within which it can operate. To that end in January 2021 it sought advice from the Government’s Advisory Committee on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) regarding the required amendments to the Misuse of Drugs Act to accommodate sales of CBD.
The ACMD submitted a comprehensive report in December 2021, setting out clear recommendations to provide legal clarity. However, since then, the Home Office has not provided any such clarifications or further updates for the industry.
The uncertainty created by this lack of clarity has left the CBD industry in limbo, and is now making it impossible for the FSA to process food safety authorisations.
Furthermore, recent actions taken by the Home Office against an established CBD company have highlighted the vulnerability of all businesses operating in this sector.
#SaveOurCBD
The
Ask.
On behalf of the CBD industry and millions of consumers, we urgently call on the Home Office to establish a legal framework that allows businesses to operate securely, safely and sustainably within the sector.
#SaveOurCBD
#SaveOurCBD
What Are CBD Products?
CBD is a chemical found naturally within the cannabis plant. It is widely available in a range of products via the high street and online.
CBD products are regulated by the Food Standards Agency in England and Wales. They must be on the FSA’s official CBD register. The FSA recommends a maximum daily intake of 70mg.
#SaveOurCBD
The History.
Before 2020
THriving industry emerges
CBD industry emerges, reaching estimated sales of £690M.
Used by 27% of the UK population.
2020
FSA sets out plans to regulate CBD
The FSA gives the CBD industry a deadline of 31 March 2021 to submit valid novel food authorisation applications.
2021
Home Office Calls for Expert advice
The Home Office states its intention to establish a legal framework for consumer CBD products in a commissioning letter to the ACMD.
The Home Office has not offered any legal clarity based on these recommendations.
2023
Home Office ACTION
The Home Office revokes license of prominent CBD company, stating: “CBD in its pure form is not a controlled drug, but if a CBD product contains THC or other controlled cannabinoids then it is likely that the product would be controlled.”
August 2023
The Home Office’s lack of response has left businesses seeking approval from the FSA in jeopardy due to the absence of a clear legal framework.
#SaveOurCBD
TheDeclaration.
#SaveOurCBD signatories urge the Home Office to provide immediate clarification regarding the legal framework within which the consumer cannabinoid industry operates, drawing on the expert advice already provided by the ACMD.
We understand the complexities the Home Office must navigate concerning compliance with the Misuse of Drugs Act. Nevertheless, we strongly assert that businesses have conducted themselves in a socially responsible way throughout this period. Therefore, we firmly believe there is no valid reason why the Home Office cannot provide the much-needed legal clarity the industry urgently seeks.
We invite the Home Office to address this issue as a matter of urgency.
#SaveOurCBD
TheSignatories.
The following organisations and individuals endorse the above declaration.
Support this campaign by adding your business as a signatory – email support@saveourcbd.org
#SaveOurCBD
Campaign Coverage.
The Times: CBD makers warn products could be taken off the shelves in legal row
Cannabis Health News: UK Home Office urged to provide clarity for CBD industry
MJBIZ Daily: United Kingdom CBD trade group calls for long-awaited regulations
Bakery and Snacks: UK CBD industry calls for legal clarity to reassure millions of consumers
Confectionary News: UK CBD industry calls for legal clarity to reassure millions of consumers
Whole Foods Magazine:
UK’s #SaveOurCBD campaign Calls on Home Office to Protect CBD Industry